| NOVEL H1N1 INFLUENZA (Swine Flu) |
NOVEL H1N1 (Swine) Influenza and You
What is novel H1N1 (swine flu)?
Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza spreads. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization announced that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.
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Are there human infections with novel H1N1 virus in the U.S.?
Yes, Cases of human infection with novel H1N1 influenza are ongoing in the United States. The CDC, local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation. The CDC, local and state health agencies are working together to collect, compile and analyze information about the new H1N1 virus since the beginning of the outbreak. The information gathered on the new H1N1 virus is presented in a weekly report, called FluView and can be found on the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm
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Is this novel H1N1 flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that novel H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.
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How serious is the novel H1N1 flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, novel H1N1 flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. So far, most of the cases we’ve seen in the U.S. have been mild. Most people are being cared for at home and recovering, however, those with underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of serious flu-related complications.
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Who is at high risk for complications from Novel H1N1 flu?
Groups at higher risk for complications include:
- Children younger than age 5 years, especially those younger than age 2 years.
- Pregnant women
- Children and adolescents (less than 18 years of age) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection;
- Adults and children who have chronic lung, heart, liver, blood, neurologic disorders (including nervous system, brain, or spinal cord), neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis), or metabolic disorders;
- Adults and children who have weak immune systems (including weak immune systems caused by medications or by HIV).
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How does this flu affect pregnant women?
Some pregnant women have become very sick and were hospitalized. Some pregnant women have died. For this reason, a pregnant woman who thinks she might have the flu, needs to call her doctor right away.
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What are the signs and symptoms of novel H1N1 flu in people?
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with novel H1N1 flu. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
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How does novel H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
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How can someone with novel H1N1 flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
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What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Are there medicines to treat novel H1N1 flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment of infection with novel H1N1 influenza virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). At the present time, antivirals to treat this flu are primarily recommended only for hospitalized patients and patients at higher risk for influenza complications.
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How long can an infected person spread novel H1N1 flu to others?
People with novel H1N1 flu should be considered potentially infectious from one day before to 7 days following illness onset. If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
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What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
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How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
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What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
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What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
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What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. Make sure that they contain at least 60% alcohol. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
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What should I do if I get sick?
STAY HOME. Sick individuals should avoid contact with others to keep from spreading your illness and stay home except when necessary to seek medical care. If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms or if you are at high risk for flu complications. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
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What should I do if I’m sick and don’t have health insurance or a doctor?
If you are in need of emergent care, you should call 911 or go to the emergency room regardless of whether you have health insurance or a doctor.
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